Scaling of Europium Vapor Laser

IR lasers are widely used in various fields of science and technology. In this regard, expanding the spectral range and obtaining effective lasing in the IR is an urgent task. The object of our study is an self-terminating Eu laser radiating at a wavelength of 1.76 μm. We study a possibility of increasing the output parameters of this laser by elongating the active zone of a gas discharge tube (GDT). An increase in the GDT volume from 157 to 314 cm³ at a constant pumping power of 1200 W makes it possible to double the output power and laser efficiency. An average radiation power of 2.5 W was attained for the first time in 1.76 μm line; a maximal efficiency of 0.3% was attained at a pump power of 500 W. After 100 hours of operation, the energy characteristics of the Eu + Ne laser with the active zone of 314 cm³ in volume show good repeatability, which allows us to conclude a possibility of further increasing the energy characteristics and lifetime of this laser. Our results can be useful in microprocessing of materials and in active optical systems for visualizing fast processes.